Article of footwear with color change portion and method of changing color

ABSTRACT

An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion includes composite material including a photonic lattice. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/994,613, filed May 31, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/056,849, filed Feb. 29, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. Pat. No. 9,301,569, dated Apr. 5, 2016, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 9,226,542, dated Jan.5, 2016, and entitled “COLOR CHANGE SYSTEM FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEARWITH A COLOR CHANGE PORTION”, which is a continuing application of U.S.Pat. No. 8,650,764, dated Feb. 18, 2014, and entitled “ARTICLE OFFOOTWEAR WITH COLOR CHANGE PORTION AND METHOD OF CHANGING COLOR”, whichis a continuing application of U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,146, dated Jul. 2,2013, and entitled “ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH COLOR CHANGE PORTION ANDMETHOD OF CHANGING COLOR”, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to an article of footwear, andin particular to an article of footwear with a color changing portion.

Articles associated with regions that change color have been previouslyproposed. Braynock et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,806) teaches an articleof footwear that is designed to allow a user to change its color. Thearticle of footwear has a transparent panel. The user uses a sock orinner liner between his or her foot and the upper to display whatevercolor is desirable through the transparent panel.

Brewer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,301) teaches a color change article usingLCD technology. An LCD panel is incorporated into the upper of anarticle of footwear. The color of the panel varies depending on thevoltage that is transmitted to the LCD panel from a potentiometer.Taylor (U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,366) teaches that electrochromographicmaterials can be incorporated into footwear along with a piezoelectricpower source.

Van Doom (U.S. patent application publication number 2008/0258999)teaches a pair of sunglasses that changes color. A sensor is included onthe glasses that can detect the color of a user's clothing and changesthe color of an LED embedded in the frame to match. The user canalternatively select a coordinating color manually.

DiBenedetto et al. (U.S. patent application publication number2007/0000154) teaches an adaptive article of footwear. The footwearincorporates a variety of electrical features, including a sensor. Thesensor can measure the degree to which the midsole compresses during auser's use of the article of footwear. The data is stored in a memorysystem in the article of footwear. The system is designed to function ina self-contained manner or to synchronize to a computer for instructionson how to modify the article of footwear.

There is a need for articles that address the limitations of the relatedart.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of operating an articleof footwear with a color change portion, comprising: measuring aperformance parameter; coloring the color change portion with a firstcolor when the performance parameter is in a first range of values;coloring the color change portion with a second color when theperformance parameter is in a second range of values, the second rangeof values being substantially different from the first range of valuesand the second color being substantially different from the first color;and wherein the color change portion comprises an electrochromographicmaterial.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of operating anarticle of footwear with a color change portion, comprising: receiving auser selected color; applying an electrical signal to anelectrochromographic material associated with the color change portion;and thereby changing the color change portion from an initial color tothe user selected color, the initial color being different from the userselected color.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of operating anarticle of footwear with a color change portion, comprising: receivinginformation related to a first color of an object, the object beingassociated with a user of the article of footwear; determining a secondcolor for the color change portion according to the first color:applying an electrical signal to an electrochromographic materialassociated with the color change portion; and thereby changing the colorchange portion to the second color.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of operating anarticle of footwear with an infrared-reflecting color change portion,the method comprising measuring an infrared radiation parameter;establishing in the infrared-reflecting color change portion a firstinfrared reflectivity when the infrared radiation parameter is in afirst range of values; establishing in the infrared-reflecting colorchange portion a second infrared reflectivity when the infraredradiation parameter is in a second range of values, the second range ofvalues being substantially different from the first range of values andthe second reflectivity being substantially different from the firstreflectivity; and controlling the infrared-reflecting color changeportion comprising a composite material comprising a photonic latticeincluding a cross-linked polymeric network by controlling the electronicconfiguration of the network.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a method of operating anarticle of footwear with an ultraviolet-reflecting color change portion,the method comprising measuring an ultraviolet radiation parameter;establishing in the ultraviolet-reflecting color change portion a firstultraviolet reflectivity when the ultraviolet radiation parameter is ina first range of values; establishing in the ultraviolet-reflectingcolor change portion a second ultraviolet reflectivity when theultraviolet radiation parameter is in a second range of values, thesecond range of values being substantially different from the firstrange of values and the second reflectivity being substantiallydifferent from the first reflectivity; and controlling theultraviolet-reflecting color change portion comprising a compositematerial comprising a photonic lattice including a cross-linkedpolymeric network by controlling the electronic configuration of thenetwork.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the invention, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is schematic view of an embodiment of an article of footwear witha color change portion;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user wearing an articleof footwear with a color change portion;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user wearing an articleof footwear with a color change portion;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a user wearing an articleof footwear with a color change portion;

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a process for controlling a color changeportion;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a process for controlling a color changeportion;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article with a colorchange portion in communication with a computer;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method of detecting anarticle of clothing for use with a color change system;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method of selectingarticles of clothing for purposes of controlling a color change system;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method of detecting anarticle of clothing for purposes of controlling a color change system;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method of transferringcolor designs using a color change system;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method of detecting anarticle of clothing for use with a color change system using a mobiledevice;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method of detecting anarticle of clothing for use with a color change system using a mobiledevice;

FIG. 21 is an embodiment of a process for controlling a color changesystem;

FIG. 22 is an alternate exemplary embodiment of an article of footwearwith a color change portion;

FIG. 23 is an alternate exemplary embodiment of an article of footwearwith a color change portion;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear with a color change portion;

FIG. 25 is a rear view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear with a color change portion;

FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of acomposite material comprising a photonic lattice;

FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate embodimentof a composite material comprising a photonic lattice;

FIG. 28 is a schematic section view of the embodiment of a compositematerial comprising a photonic lattice depicted in FIG. 27 ;

FIG. 29 is a schematic view of an article of clothing with a colorchange portion associated with an interior surface of the clothing;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a compositematerial comprising a photonic lattice mounted on an upper of an articleof footwear;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a composite materialcomprising a photonic lattice mounted in an aperture in the upper of anarticle of footwear;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 ;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a composite materialcomprising a photonic lattice mounted behind an aperture in the upper ofan article of footwear, the aperture being smaller in at least onedimension than the composite material comprising a photonic lattice; and

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 34 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment ofarticle of footwear 100. For convenience, the disclosure will describeembodiments of the disclosure with detail as they relate to articles offootwear. However, the disclosure contemplates embodiments that includeclothing and sporting goods and equipment and related articles, such asbut not limited to indicators of progress or accomplishment, speedindicators, and the like.

For clarity, the following detailed description discusses an exemplaryembodiment, in the form of a running shoe, but it should be noted thatthe present invention could take the form of any article of footwearincluding, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, footballshoes, sneakers, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, and baseball shoes, aswell as other kinds of shoes, such as but not limited to bicycle shoesand ski boots. As shown in FIG. 1 , article of footwear 100, alsoreferred to simply as article 100, is intended to be used with a rightfoot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion mayequally apply to a mirror image of article of footwear 100 that isintended for use with a left foot.

Article of footwear 100 may be configured with upper 102 and sole 104.For purposes of clarity, some portions of article 100 are shown in solidlines and others are shown in phantom lines. In addition, the currentembodiment illustrates some components of article 100 but may notillustrate all components of article 100.

Article 100 can include color change system 120. The term “color changesystem” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claimsrefers to any system capable of providing different colors for one ormore portions of article 100. Color change system 120 can comprise colorchange portion 122. The term “color change portion” as used throughoutthis detailed description and in the claims refers to any portion of anarticle that is configured to undergo some type of color change. Inembodiments of the disclosure, “color change portion” also includes theability to reflect infrared or ultraviolet radiation.

The term “color change portion” is not limited to any particularlocation. A color changing portion can be located on any portion of anarticle including any portion of an upper, any portion of a sole, aswell as other components associated with an article of footwear such asbut not limited to shoe laces, straps, liners, or any other component ofan article. A color change portion is also not limited to any sizeand/or shape. In the exemplary embodiment, color change portion 122 isassociated with a diamond shaped logo for article 100. However, in otherembodiments, a color change portion could be configured with any shapeincluding, but not limited to: stripes, panels, polygons, regularshapes, irregular shapes, as well as any other type of shape. Inaddition, while a single color changing portion is illustrated in thecurrent embodiment, other embodiments can include two or more colorchanging portions.

One or more color changing portions can comprise any regions of anarticle. For example, one embodiment may include an article with trimcomprising a color change portion. In another embodiment, a substantialmajority of an upper may comprise a color change portion. In a furtherembodiment, the entire upper of an article of footwear may be formed ofa color changing material. In still another embodiment, an upper maycomprise distinct panels comprising color change portions. In stillanother embodiment, a midsole may comprise a color change portion. Instill another embodiment, an outsole may comprise a color changeportion. In some embodiments, the midsole or the outsole may comprisecomposite material including photonic crystals or a photonic lattice.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises an upper havingone or more distinct color change portions attached to, forming anintegral part of, or separate from the upper of the article of footwear.In further embodiments, at least one color change portion may be theupper itself, or a substantial majority of the upper. In otherembodiments, the color change portion may be a discrete component orlayer attached to the upper. In still other embodiments, the colorchange portion may be fitted within an aperture in an article offootwear, or may be placed behind an aperture in an article of footwear,where the aperture is smaller than the color change portion. The colorchange portions of the upper may comprise composite material includingphotonic crystals or a photonic lattice.

It will be understood that a color change portion can be configured todisplay more than a single color simultaneously. For example, in someembodiments color change portions may be configured to display patternsand/or graphics. In some embodiments, color change portions may beconfigured to display numbers. In other embodiments, color changeportions may be configured to display words. In other embodiments, colorchange portions could be configured to display colored stripes and abackground color that is different from the stripe color. In still otherembodiments, an upper may comprise a single color change portion that isconfigured to display a first color over the majority of the upper and asecond color for a logo on the side of the upper.

In different embodiments, color change portions can be associated withdifferent color change technologies. In particular, the color changeportions discussed throughout this detailed description are not limitedto use with any specific type of color change technology. Two or moretypes of color change technologies may be present on the same article.

Examples of color change technologies are known in the art and include,but are not limited to: electrochemical transistor based color changetechnologies, LCD panel technologies, LED screen technologies, fiberoptic technologies, electrochromographic materials (including photoniclattices or crystals), electronic paper technologies (includingelectrophoretic technologies, electrowetting technologies andelectrofluidic technologies), electroluminescent strips, as well asother color change technologies. In another embodiment, color changeportions can be associated with electronic paper technologies. Examplesare disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,535,624; 7,528,822; 7,420,549;7,167,155; 7,201,952; 6,987,603; 6,922,276; 6,864,875, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, color change portions can be associated with flexibleelectronic paper technologies that retain color change after removal ofapplied power. Examples are disclosed in any of the following: U.S.Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0117975, U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2010/0053724, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,675,672,7,195,170, and 6,936,190, the entirety of each being hereby incorporatedby reference.

In another embodiment, color change portions can be associated with oneor more of organic thin film transistor technologies, organic lightemitting diode (OLED) technologies, flexible OLED technologies, as wellas other electroluminescent elements. Examples are disclosed in any ofthe following: U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0032660,U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2009/0278449, U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2007/0222370, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,075,226,and 6,969,291, the entirety of each being hereby incorporated byreference.

In another embodiment, color change portions can be associated withelectronically controllable visually dynamic textiles or flexiblesubstrates as are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNumber 2003/0224155, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated byreference. In another embodiment, color change portions can compriseelectroluminescent strips. An example is disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2008/0062677, the entirety of which ishereby incorporated by reference. In still another embodiment, colorchange portions can comprise electrochromic materials. An example isdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2006/0275660,the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In addition,any other type of color change technologies can be used including anytechnologies disclosed in any of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,301;U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2006/0221596; U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2004/0100792; U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Number 2009/0007458; U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,366; U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2008/0258999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,690the entirety of each being hereby incorporated by reference.

In another embodiment, color change portions can be associated with oneor more composite materials comprising a photonic lattice. The compositematerial comprising a photonic lattice that is changed by electricalstimulation may be an electrochromographic material. The photoniclattice also may be known as photonic ink. The photonic lattice may be acolloidal composition comprising polymer and photonic crystals. Photoniccrystals also are known as photonic band-gap materials. Photonicband-gap materials are analogous to semiconductors, with the electronsin semiconductors replaced by photons in photonic band-gap material.Creation of periodic structures from materials with contrast in theirdielectric constants makes it possible to guide light through thephotonic crystal in a manner similar to the way electrons are directedthrough doped regions of semiconductors. The photonic band-gap precludesreflection of certain light frequencies to yield distinct opticalphenomena. Additional information is available in texts directed to thetopic. Photonic lattices are tunable to reflect a wavelength. Thestructure of photonic lattices, and thus the color reflected, may bechanged quickly and in small increments to give excellent control overthe color reflected. Further, such changes in photonic lattices may becarried out quickly and are predictable. Changes in a photonic latticealso may be predictable, and may minimize color management errors.Predetermined changes in the configuration of the composite material tochange the wavelength reflected may be carried out easily.

In some embodiments, the composite materials comprising a photoniclattice are tunable to reflect a selected wavelength within a broadspectral range, including both infrared and ultraviolet, by controlledexpansion or contraction of the dimensions of the photonic lattice andresultant precise and predetermined changes to the structure of photoniccrystals in the lattice. Such electrochromographic materials may bechanged by electrical stimulation, i.e., application of a voltagedifference across the crystal or lattice.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the presence and composition of theconstituents and the composition of the matrix forming the colloidalcomposition may establish a range of reflected spectra. By selection ofthe composition of the colloidal material, radiation in the infraredwavelengths, visible wavelengths, and ultraviolet wavelengths may bereflected from the photonic lattice and thus from the composite materialcomprising a photonic lattice.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, photonic lattices may comprise anordered array of microconstituents, such as but not limited tomicrospheres, in a matrix of cross-linked metallopolymer network with acontinuously variable redox state of charge and fluid content. Themicroconstituents comprise the photonic crystals. The material may be inthe form of a continuous or patterned film comprising the lattice. Thecolloidal material also may be inverted by removing the microspheresfrom the polymer network to create a macroporous metallopolymeric gelnetwork inverse colloidal photonic lattice that may be similarly tuned.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the microconstituents may beformed as a thin film on a layer, or may be a monolith into whichpolymer precursor is infiltrated. Microparticles may be insulators,polymers, metals, or semi-conductors, for example. The microconstituentmay be cross-linked into the polymer forming the lattice. In embodimentsof the disclosure, the microconstituent particles may be spheres,ellipsoids, rods, polyhedra, cubes, and sphere-containing polyhedra,typically having cross-sectional dimensions of between about 60nanometers and about 100 micrometers.

The polymer network may include cross-linked metallopolymer having abackbone including metal atoms integrated into the polymer backbone andconnected directly or through linking units. The cross-linkedmetallopolymer may have an electronic configuration dependent on themetal atoms. Metal atoms are switchable between or among at least twoelectronic configurations. The polymer takes up or expels fluid,depending on the electronic configuration of the metals. Fluid uptakeexpands the polymer and shifts the reflection to longer wavelengths. Inelectrochromographic photonic lattices, the changes may be affected byapplying a voltage difference across the photonic lattice.

In embodiments of the disclosure, switching of this electronicconfiguration of the colloidal material may be carried out bypolarization of outer orbital electrons or by switching betweenoxidation states. The cross-linked metallopolymer network may beproduced containing metal atoms including but limited to titanium,vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, niobium,molybdenum, ruthenium, rhenium, platinum, palladium, rhodium, and zincand combinations thereof. Material may be made from units ofmetal-containing bridged metallocenophanes containing some of the metalsmentioned above, the preferred of these being iron with a silicon atombridging the two cyclopentadienyl ligands in the case of strainedsila-1-ferrocenophanes so that the cross-linked metallopolymer networkis comprised of a polyferrocenyl silanes.

Sila-1-ferrocenophanes giving rise to linear metallopolymer are speciesincluding, but not limited to, dialkylsila-1-ferrocenophanes,alkylalkoxysila-1-ferrocenophanes, dialkoxysila-1-ferrocenophanes,cycloalkylsila-1-ferrocenophanes, diarylsila-1-ferrocenophanes,alkylarylsila-1-ferrocenophanes, alkylalkenylsila-1-ferrocenophanes,alkylalkynylsila-1-ferrocenophanes or combinations thereof.Sila-1-ferrocenophanes which give rise to a cross-link between polymerchains can include, but are not limited to,cyclobutylsila-1-ferrocenophane, sila-1,1-diferrocenophane,1,2-bis(methylsila-[1]-ferroceno-phane)acetylene,1,4-bis(methylsila-M-ferrocenophane)benzene,bis(methylsila-[1]-ferrocenophane)-1,4-diethynylbenzene, and1,2-bis(methylsila[1]-ferroceno-phane)ethane or combinations thereof.These species may be polymerized thermally, or with a variety ofpolymerization initiators such as but not limited to transition metalcatalysts or carbanions or electromagnetic radiation of variouswavelengths.

A cross-linked metallopolymer network may be formed using theabove-mentioned metal containing monomers using a mixture of compoundsincluding about 50 wt percent to about 100 wt percent monomer, about 0wt percent to about 30 wt percent crosslinker, and about 0 wt percent toabout 20 wt percent initiator. The resulting network consists ofcross-linked polyferrocenyl-silane, with a density of crosslinkscontrollable by the proportion of crosslinker in the mixture. Theporosity of the metallopolymer network may be tuned if the mixture isdiluted in an inert substance, such as but not limited to a solvent,which can be removed after polymerization.

Photonic materials, which may be known as photonic lattices, photonicinks, or photonic band gap materials, display color by controlleddiffraction. Controlled diffraction is the phenomenon responsible foriridescent color effects found in opals and butterfly wings, forexample. As described herein, when light impinges on particles that arestacked or arranged in a pattern, the light may not be perfectlyreflected. This same phenomenon may occur when voids in an invertedcomposition are similarly arranged. This imperfection caused by theparticles or voids causes some wavelengths of the light to be eliminatedfrom the reflection. Thus, the reflected light is not perceived aswhite, but rather is perceived as a color.

It may be particularly convenient to arrange particles, or voids, in asubstance such as a polymer, as described herein. Changing the structuremay change the perceived color of the reflection. Therefore, changingthe diameter of the particles or of the voids may change the perceivedcolor. Similarly, changing the arrangement, such as by changing thespacing between the particles or the voids may change the perceivedcolor. Thus, for a photonic lattice, it may be possible to change theperceived color by changing the shape of the polymer lattice, forexample. The lattice may comprise polymers that may include solvent forthe polymer.

In embodiments, the perceived color may be changed by applyingelectrical stimulation in the form of an electrical current or a voltagedifference across the material. The electrical stimulation may causesolvent to be absorbed or desorbed by the polymer, thus changing theshape of the polymer to change the perceived color.

Electrical stimulation is not the sole method of changing the structureof a photonic lattice. For example, changes in the structure may beeffected by changing pressure or temperature of the material, or byadding or removing chemicals, such as solvents for the polymer, from thesystem.

These other methods of changing the structure of a photonic lattice mayhave many techniques by which they are implemented. For example,photonic lattices or crystals that change color with pressuredifferences may change color when deformed, compressed, or otherwisemechanically changed. Photonic materials may be treated with a solventor an infiltrate, such as by a stamp or brand to change selected areas,or by treating the bulk of the lattice to change the color completely.This treatment may be effected by electrical stimulation or by additionof solvent. Also, photonic materials that may be modified in othermanners also are known.

In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, a suitable photonic latticemay be changed by electrical stimulation.

In some embodiments, the composite material including a photonic latticemay be used as part of garments or shoes. The color change portioncomprising the composite material comprising a photonic lattice can besubstantially the entire garment or shoe, or a portion of the garment orshoe. For example, the color change portion may form a trim piece or adecorative portion of the shoe. In other embodiments, a significantportion of a panel may be comprised of the color change portion. Inanother embodiment, a substantial portion of the entire article offootwear may be comprised of the color change portion.

The color change portion comprising the composite material comprising aphotonic lattice can further be an integral part of the garment or shoe,or a detachable portion of the garment or shoe. In some embodiments, thecomposite material comprising a photonic lattice is used as the materialfor the upper of shoes. In further embodiments, the garment or shoes maycomprise two or more color change portions. For example, the upper of ashoe may be a color change portion. Further, the same shoe may haveadditional distinct color change portions that are attached to orseparate from the shoe upper. Still further, the sole and/or side wallsof the sole may comprise composite material comprising a photoniclattice. Each of the color change portions of the shoe, including theupper and sole, may comprise composite material comprising a photoniclattice.

In some embodiments, the color change portion comprises one or morecomposite materials comprising a photonic lattice. In another embodimentthe color change portion comprises a second composite materialcomprising a photonic lattice. The first composite material comprising aphotonic lattice and the second composite material comprising a photoniclattice can be independently electronically addressable. The firstcomposite material comprising a photonic lattice and the secondcomposite material comprising a photonic lattice each can display thesame color or a different color in response to an applied electricalpotential. Color change portions comprising composite materialcomprising a photonic lattice can display a still or animated colorimage.

A color change system can include provisions for powering one or morecolor change portions. In one embodiment, color change system 120 mayinclude power storage device 126. Generally, power storage device 126may be any device capable of storing power for color change system 120.In one embodiment, power storage device 126 may be a battery. In someembodiments, power storage device 126 could be a disposable battery.Examples of different types of disposable batteries include, but are notlimited to: zinc-carbon, zinc-chloride, alkaline, silver-oxide, lithiumdisulfide, lithium-thionyl chloride, mercury, zinc-air, thermal,water-activated, nickel oxyhydroxide, and paper batteries. In anotherembodiment, power storage device 126 could be a rechargeable battery ofsome kind. Examples of rechargeable batteries include, but are notlimited to: nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and rechargeablealkaline batteries. In still other embodiments, power storage device 126could be another type of device capable of generating and storingelectricity. For example, in one embodiment, power storage device 126could be a piezoelectric device capable of generating and storingelectricity.

A color change system can include provisions for controlling a colorchange portion. In one embodiment, color change system 120 may includecontrol unit 124. In some embodiments, a control unit could be a centralprocessing unit (CPU) of some kind. In other embodiments, a control unitcould be a simple circuit of some kind for receiving electrical inputsand providing an electrical output according to the inputs. In oneembodiment, control unit 124 may be a printed circuit board.

Control unit 124 may include a number of ports that facilitate the inputand output of information and power. The term “port” means any interfaceor shared boundary between two conductors. In some cases, ports canfacilitate the insertion and removal of conductors. Examples of thesetypes of ports include mechanical connectors. In other cases, ports areinterfaces that generally do not provide easy insertion or removal.Examples of these types of ports include soldering or electron traces oncircuit boards.

In the current embodiment, control unit 124 can include port 131 fortransmitting and/or receiving information from color change portion 122.In addition, in some cases, port 131 may include provisions fortransmitting power to and/or receiving power from color change portion122. Control unit 124 can include port 132 for transmitting and/orreceiving information from power storage device 126. In addition, insome cases, port 132 may include provisions for transmitting power toand/or receiving power from power storage device 126. In an exemplaryembodiment, control unit 124 can control color changes in color changeportion 122 using energy from power storage unit 126. For example, inone embodiment, control unit 124 may send signals in the form of currentchanges and/or voltage changes to color change portion 122 to controlthe color of color change portion 122.

A color change system can include provisions for measuring one or moreperformance parameters associated with an article of footwear. The term“performance parameter” refers to any type of parameter that can bemeasured while an article of footwear is worn. For example, the numberof heel strikes that occur while an article is worn is a performanceparameter that may indicate the distance a user has traveled. As anotherexample, the number of times a sole impacts the ground with apredetermined amount of force is a performance parameter that mayindicate the number of times a basketball player jumps during abasketball game. Other performance parameters could include atemperature of a portion of the article, moisture in the article, aswell as other possible parameters.

In some embodiments, color change system 122 can be configured with oneor more sensors for measuring various performance parameters. Any typeof sensors known in the art for measuring force, temperature, moistureas well as any other parameters could be used. In other embodiments,however, provisions for measuring performance parameters could beintegrated into control unit 124. For example, in one embodiment,control unit 124 may include a force sensor that measures the number oftimes a sole impacts the ground. In still other embodiments, provisionsfor measuring performance parameters could be integrated into powerstorage device 126. For example, in embodiments where power storagedevice 126 is a piezoelectric device, the amount of energy generated bythe device may be proportional to the number of heel strikes. With thisarrangement, control unit 124 could approximately determine the numberof steps taken by a user by monitoring the charging level of thepiezoelectric device.

Other inputs from sensors may be used to influence the performance oroperation of the system. Some embodiments may use one or more of thesensors, features, methods, systems and/or components disclosed in thefollowing documents: Case et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,112,251, issued Feb.7, 2012; Riley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,771,320, issued Aug. 10, 2010;Darley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,471, issued Sep. 23, 2008; Amos etal., United States Patent Application Publication 2012/0291564,published Nov. 22, 2012; Schrock et al., United States PatentApplication Publication 2012/0291563, published Nov. 22, 2012; Meschteret al., United States Patent Application Publication 2012/0251079,published Oct. 4, 2012; Molyneux et al., United States PatentApplication Publication 2012/0234111, published Sep. 20, 2012; Case etal., United States Patent Application Publication 2012/0078396,published Mar. 29, 2012; Nurse et al., United States Patent ApplicationPublication 2011/0199393, published Aug. 18, 2011; Hoffman et al.,United States Patent Application Publication 2011/0032105, publishedFeb. 10, 2011; Schrock et al., United States Patent ApplicationPublication 2010/0063778, published Mar. 11, 2010; Shum, United StatesPatent Application Publication 2007/0021269, published Jan. 25, 2007;Schrock et al., United States Patent Application Publication2013/0213147, published Aug. 22, 2013; Schrock et al., United StatesPatent Application Publication 2013/0213144, published Aug. 22, 2013,where the entirety of each document is incorporated by reference.

A color changing system can include provisions for changing the color ofa color change portion to indicate the progress of a user in variousathletic activities. In some cases, a control unit can be configured todetect changes in one or more performance parameters that are associatedwith a particular type of activity. In addition, a control unit can beconfigured to change the color of a color change portion as aperformance parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate an embodiment of a user wearing an articlewith a color change portion. Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4 , user 200is wearing pair of footwear 202. Pair of footwear 202 may comprise firstarticle 204 and second article 206. In some cases, first article 206 mayinclude first color change portion 208. For purposes of clarity, onlyfirst article 204 is shown with a color change portion, but it will beunderstood that in other embodiments second article 206 may also includea similar color change portion.

Initially, before user 200 begins running, first color change portion208 may be display first color 222. Generally, first color 222 can beany color. In this example, first color 222 could be a white color. At alater time, as user 200 passes one mile marker 230, first color changeportion 208 may change from first color 222 to second color 224. In thisembodiment, second color 224 could be a yellow color. This transitionmay occur as a control unit (not shown) of first article 204 determinesthat user 200 has taken a predetermined number of steps. In some cases,the control unit may be calibrated to change the color of color changeportion 122 to a yellow color after approximately 2,000 steps, whichroughly corresponds to 1 mile. Following this, as user 200 passes fivemile marker 232, color change portion 208 may change from second color224 to third color 226. In this embodiment, third color 226 could be anorange color. This transition may occur as the control unit of firstarticle 204 determines that user 200 has taken approximately 10,000steps, which corresponds to approximately 5 miles.

Using this arrangement, a color change portion may be colored toindicate various milestones in the running performance of a user. In theillustrated embodiment, this arrangement could allow user 200 to monitorhis or her progress on a run by viewing the color of the color changeportion. Also, this arrangement alerts other runners to the progress ofuser 200. In some cases, the color change portion may function in asimilar manner to patches, ribbons, or other objects that are used tovisually signify accomplishments in various athletic endeavors.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a generic process for controlling acolor change portion. In this embodiment, the following steps may beperformed by control unit 124; however in some embodiments these stepsmay be performed by additional systems or devices associated witharticle 100. For example, in some cases including sensors or devices formeasuring various performance parameters, one or more steps could beperformed by the sensors or devices. In addition, in embodiments wherearticle 124 is in communication with a computer, one or more of thesteps could be performed by the computer. In addition, it will beunderstood that in other embodiments one or more of the following stepsmay be optional.

During step 502, control unit 124 may measure a performance parameter.The performance parameter could be any parameter including, but notlimited to: the number of heel strikes, the number of steps taken, thenumber of jumps performed, the temperature of a region of the article,the moisture of a region of the article, as well as any otherperformance parameter. In one embodiment, for example, a piezoelectricdevice may be used to generate a predetermined amount of electricitywith each heel strike. In this embodiment, control unit 124 could beconfigured to measure the number of heel strikes by determining thetotal amount of electricity generated by the piezoelectric device. Inanother embodiment, a stand along sensor could be used for detectingheel strikes or other performance parameters. Next, during step 504,control unit 124 may store the parameter value. In some cases, theparameter value could be stored in memory associated with the controlunit. In other cases, the parameter value could be stored in memoryassociated with a sensor or other device of the article.

Following step 504, control unit 124 may proceed to step 506. Duringstep 506, control unit 124 may determine a color according to theparameter value. In some cases, control unit 124 could assign continuouscolor values to each parameter value. In other cases, control unit 124may assign different colors to discrete ranges of a parameter value. Forexample, in the embodiment discussed above, control unit 124 may use awhite color when the number of heel strikes is less than 2,000.Additionally, control unit 124 may use a yellow color when the number ofheel strikes is between 2,000 and 10,000. In other embodiments, controlunit 124 could determine a color according to the parameter value in anyother manner.

Next, during step 508, control unit 508 may control the color changeportion according to the color determined during step 506. For example,if during step 506 control unit 124 determines a white color for aparameter value of 1,500 heel strikes, control unit 124 may control thecolor change portion to have a white color. On the other hand, as thenumber of heel strikes changes from 1,999 to 2,000 control unit 124 maychange the color of the color change portion from white to yellow.

It will be understood that control unit 124 may be configured to controlthe color of the color change portion using active or passive methods.In some cases, control unit 124 may actively maintain a color for acolor change portion by continuously sending electric signals (in theform of currents or voltages) to the color change portion. In othercases, control unit 124 may passively control a color change portion byonly sending electric signals to the color change portion when a colorchange (or color shift) is needed. The use of either passive or activecontrol methods may vary according to the type of color changetechnology used. For example, when the color change portion comprises acomposite material comprising a photonic lattice, an electric signalneed be sent only when a color change is needed. Thiselectrochromographic photonic lattice is “bi-stable,” i.e., it maintainsa color without continuing input of electrical stimulation. In addition,some technologies could make use of a combination of active and passivecontrol methods.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a specific method for controlling acolor change portion. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a method thatcould be used to control a color change portion in the mannerillustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4 . In this embodiment, the followingsteps may be performed by control unit 124; however in some embodimentsthese steps may be performed by additional systems or devices associatedwith article 100. For example, in some cases including sensors ordevices for measuring various performance parameters, one or more stepscould be performed by the sensors or devices. In addition, inembodiments where article 124 is in communication with a computer, oneor more of the steps could be performed by the computer. In addition, itwill be understood that in other embodiments one or more of thefollowing steps may be optional.

During step 602, control unit 124 may receive heel strike information.In particular, control unit 124 could receive information related to aheel strike event. In some cases, heel strike information can bereceived from a stand alone heel strike sensor. In other cases, heelstrike information can be received from a power storage device, such aspiezoelectric device that may be configured to generate power duringheel strikes. In still other cases, heel strike information can bereceived from any other device capable of measuring heel strikeinformation.

Following step 602, during step 604, control unit 124 may update a heelstrike count, which is a variable that keeps track of the total numberof heel strike events that have occurred. Next, during step 606, controlunit 124 may determined if the heel strike count is greater than 2,000.If the heel strike count is less than 2,000, control unit 124 may returnto step 602 to receive new heel strike information. If, however, theheel strike count is greater than 2,000, control unit 124 may proceed tostep 608. During step 608, control unit 124 may determine if the heelstrike count is greater than 10,000. If so, control unit 124 may proceedto step 612. Otherwise, control unit 124 may proceed to step 610. Duringstep 610, control unit 124 turns the color change portion to yellow. Insituations where the color is already yellow, no color change may occurand control unit 124 may continue to operate the color change portion ina yellow color state. If however, the color is not initially yellow,control unit 124 changes the color change portion to a yellow color.

During step 612, control unit 124 determines if the heel strike count isgreater than 20,000. If not, control unit 124 proceeds to step 614.During step 614, control unit 124 turns the color change portion to anorange color. If, during step 612, control unit 124 determines that theheel strike count is greater than 20,000, control unit 124 may proceedto step 616, where control unit 124 turns the color change portion to ared color.

It will be understood that in other embodiments, different thresholdvalues could be selected. As discussed above, the exemplary embodimentuses heel strike thresholds of 2,000, 10,000, and 20,000 correspondingto approximately 1 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile distances. In otherembodiments, however, a color change portion may change color accordingto any other threshold values. In other cases, for example, a colorchange portion may be configured to change color after every 1,000 heelstrikes. In still other cases, a color change portion may be configuredto change color after every 100,000 heel strikes.

FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate embodiments of a system for controlling acolor change portion using a computer or similar device. Referring toFIGS. 7 through 9 , article 100 may be connected directly to computer702. Generally, computer 702 could be any type of computing deviceincluding, but not limited to a desktop computer or a laptop computer.In addition, the term computer can also include any other device thatincludes a display and a processor. Examples of such devices include,but are not limited to: PDAs tablet computers, and cell phones, as wellas other types of devices.

In some embodiments, article 100 may be connected to computer 702 usingwired connection 704. Generally, wired connection 704 can be any cableor collection of wires that can be used to exchange information betweenarticle 100 and computer 702. In addition, wired connection 704 may beconfigured to transfer power between article 100 and computer 702. Insome cases, wired connection 704 could be used to charge a power storagedevice of article 100. Furthermore, wired connection 704 could beassociated with any type of connection. For example, in one embodiment,wired connection 704 could be a USB cable that can be used to exchangeinformation between computer 702 and article 100 as well as to providepower to article 100. In other cases, any other type of connection couldbe used. For example, in another embodiment, an IEEE 1394 interface (afire wire) could be used for data transfer.

In some embodiments, article 100 may be connected to computer 702 usingwireless connection 708. In some cases, computer 702 may include firstantenna 710 for transmitting and receiving information. In addition, insome cases, article 100 may include second antenna 712 for transmittingand receiving information. It will be understood that second antenna 712is optional and may not be included in all embodiments. Furthermore, inembodiments where an antenna is used with article 100, control unit 124may include a port for transmitting information to and/or receivinginformation from the antenna. In the current embodiment, control unit124 includes port 134 that is in communication with second antenna 712.

Generally, wireless connection 708 could be any type of wirelessconnection supporting any type of wireless communication. In some cases,computer 702 and article 100 may communicate using a wireless network.Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to: personal areanetworks, local area networks, wide area networks, client-servernetworks, and peer-to-peer networks, as well as other types of networks.In other cases, wireless connection 708 could utilize the Bluetoothwireless protocol. In still other cases, wireless connection 708 may useother short range wireless technologies such as wireless USB.

For purposes of clarity, article 100 and computer 702 are shown as beingdisposed adjacent to one another in the current embodiment. In otherembodiments, however, article 100 may be remotely connected to computer702 using a wireless network. Moreover, in some cases, article 100 couldbe connected to computer 702 using a packet-switched communicationsystem such as the Internet.

In some embodiments, a color change system can be associated with asoftware interface that may be run on a computer. The term “softwareinterface” refers to any computer program or collection of computerprograms that may be used as an interface for inputting information to,or receiving information from, a color change system. In some cases,software for interfacing with a color change system could be stored on acomputer. In other cases, software for interfacing with a color changesystem could be associated with a control unit for an article that isaccessed through a computer when the article is connected to thecomputer. This arrangement allows software for interfacing with a colorchange system to be used with any computer that is capable of connectingwith the article.

In some embodiments, a color change system can include provisions forautomatically controlling a color change portion whenever an article isconnected to a computer. In one embodiment, for example, a computer maybe configured to download information related to a performance parameterand control the color change portion according to the value of theperformance parameter.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , article 100 may be connected to computer702 using wired connection 704. As article 100 is connected to computer702, computer 702 may be configured to automatically downloadinformation related to one or more performance parameters. In theexemplary embodiment, computer 702 may download information from controlunit 124 related to heel strikes, which may be used to estimate thenumber of miles traveled by the user. Initially, when article 100 isfirst connected, the number of miles traveled is between 1 mile and 5miles. In some cases, this information could be displayed using softwareinterface 750. At this point, color change portion 122 has first color802. Once the performance parameter information is fully downloaded,computer 702 displays an updated record of the miles traveled usingsoftware interface 750. In this case, the user has traveled over 5miles. Therefore, computer 702 sends a signal to control unit 124 tochange color change portion 122 to second color 804. Thereafter, a usermay disconnect article 100 and color change portion 122 may continue todisplay second color 804.

Using the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 , color changeportion 122 may be automatically controlled using computer 702. In somecases, this system can help reduce the computational power required bycontrol unit 124. This arrangement could save manufacturing costs sincethe primary computational power is performed by computer 702 rather thancontrol unit 124.

In some embodiments, a color change system can include provisions formanually controlling a color change portion. In some cases, an articlecan be associated with one or more control buttons that are used tomanually control colors of a color change portion. In addition, in somecases, an article can be associated with a reset button that resets thevalue of a performance parameter. For example, a user may want torestart tracking his or her performance. One or more control buttonscould be provided directly on a portion of an article with a colorchange portion or they could be provided on a remote control that is incommunication with a control unit of the color change system. Inaddition, provisions for manually controlling a color change systemcould be provided as part of a software interface for the color changesystem. For example, in embodiments where color change is controlled bya computer, a software interface can include provisions for clearing orresetting a performance parameter.

A color change system can include provisions for increasing the level ofcontrol over a color change portion. In some cases, an article includinga color change portion can be controlled according to various types ofexternal input. In some cases, the input may be received directly from auser. In other cases, the input could be received from other sources.

FIGS. 10 through 11 illustrate an embodiment of a color change portionthat is controlled according to user input information. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11 , article 1000 may be a basketball shoe. In addition,article 1000 includes first color change portion 1002 in the form of alogo as well as second color change portion 1004 in the form of trim.Furthermore, article 1000 includes third color change portion 1006 thatcomprises the substantial majority of the upper. As previouslydiscussed, each color change portion can be configured with variouscolors, including patterns and/or patterns.

In some embodiments, the upper of article 1000 may be formed ofcomposite material comprising a photonic lattice. In other words, thirdcolor change portion 1006 may be the upper itself, or a substantialmajority of the upper. In other embodiments, third color change portion1006 may be a discrete component or layer attached to the upper.Further, in some embodiments, third color change portion 1006 may beformed of composite material comprising a photonic lattice.

Similarly, first color change portion 1002 may be formed of the uppermaterial itself, or it may be a discrete component or layer attached tothe upper. In some embodiments, first color change portion 1002 may beformed of composite material comprising a photonic lattice. Also, secondcolor change portion 1004 may be formed of the upper material itself, orit may be a discrete component or layer attached to the upper. In someembodiments, second color change portion 1004 may be formed of compositematerial comprising a photonic lattice.

In this case, article 1000 is connected to computer 702. In thisembodiment, computer 702 may prompt a user to select the type of gamelocation for an upcoming basketball game that the user will attend.Referring to FIG. 10 , the user may select “home” using softwareinterface 750, indicating that the game is a home game. Since home teamstraditionally wear white, computer 702 may send a control signal toarticle 1000 to color third color change portion 1006 with first color1020. In the exemplary embodiment, first color 1020 may be a whitecolor. In addition, computer 702 may control first color change portion1002 and second color change portion 1004 to display second color 1022.In some cases, second color 1022 could be a non-white color. Forexample, if the basketball team of the user has red as a team color,second color 1022 could be red. With this arrangement, the majority ofarticle 1000 may be colored white while the logo and trim may be coloredwith a team color.

Referring to FIG. 11 , at another time, if a user selects “away” usingsoftware interface 750, indicating that the game is an away game,computer 702 may control third color change portion 1006 to have secondcolor 1022. In addition, computer 702 may control first color changeportion 1002 and second color change portion 1004 to have first color1022. With this arrangement, the majority of article 1000 may be coloredwith a team color while the logo and trim may be colored white.

A color change system can include provisions for applying user selectedcolors and/or predetermined designs to an article including one or morecolor change portions. In some embodiments, a color change system mayinclude provisions for allowing a user to input a user selected color.Upon receiving the user selected color, a control unit may be configuredto change the color change portion to the user selected color. Forexample, in embodiments where an electrochromographic material is usedwith the color change portion, a control unit may apply a predeterminedcurrent and/or voltage to the color change portion to change the colorof the color change portion from an initial color to the user selectedcolor. In other embodiments, a color change system may includeprovisions for applying multiple colors to one or more color changeportions according to a design for an article of footwear thatincorporates multiple colors.

Referring to FIG. 12 , article 1200 includes color change portion 1202that comprises a substantial majority of the upper. In some embodiments,the upper of article 1200 may be formed of color change portion 1202. Inother embodiments, color change portion 1202 may be a discrete componentor layer attached to the upper. In further embodiments, color changeportion 1202 may comprise composite material comprising a photoniclattice.

As shown in FIG. 12 , article 1200 is connected to computer 702. In thiscase, a user may be presented with four predetermined designs includingfirst design 1211, second design 1212, third design 1213, and fourthdesign 1214. In this case, a user has selected third design 1213 thatcomprises a stripe-like pattern. As the user selects third design 1213,computer 702 may send a control signal to article 1200 that colors colorchange portion 1202 with the selected design. In particular, inembodiments where a color change portion comprises anelectrochromographic material, a control unit may send an electricalsignal to color change portion 1202 to change one or more colors ofcolor change portion 1202 so that color change portion 1202 isconfigured to the selected design.

Although only four designs are illustrated in this embodiment, otherembodiments could include additional designs. In some cases, designs canbe imported into software interface 750 manually by a user. In othercases, designs could be included in a software package. In still othercases, a user could create a design using any type of graphic software.

It will be understood that a color change portion may not be restrictedto the upper of an article. In other cases, a color change portion couldbe associated with any other portion of an article. For example, in somecases, a sole of an article may comprise one or more color changeportions that allow the color of the sole to be varied. In other cases,lacing associated with an article could be configured with a colorchange portion so that the color of the lacing can be varied. In stillother embodiment, any other portions of an article could be associatedwith color change portions. As another example, in some cases, an insertfor an article could comprise one or more color change portions.

Referring to FIG. 13 , article 1800 includes upper 1802 and sole 1804.In addition, article 1800 includes first color change portion 1822 andsecond color change portion 1824. First color change portion 1822 maycomprise a substantial majority of upper 1802. In some embodiments, theupper of article 1800 may be formed of first color change portion 1822.In other embodiments, first color change portion 1822 may be a discretecomponent or layer attached to the upper. In some embodiments, firstcolor change portion 1822 may comprise composite material comprising aphotonic lattice. Furthermore, second color change portion 1824 maycomprise a substantial majority of sole 1804. In some embodiments,second color change portion 1824 may be the sole of article 1800, or adiscrete component or layer attached to the sole. In some embodiments,second color change portion 1824 may comprise composite materialcomprising a photonic lattice. With this configuration, first colorchange portion 1822 and second color change portion 1824 can be used tochange the colors of a substantial entirety of article 1800.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 13 , second color change portion 1824may be colored differently from first color change portion 1822. Asshown in FIG. 14 , however, in some cases, first color change portion1822 and second color change portion 1824 could have substantiallysimilar colors. This arrangement provides a user with the ability tochange substantially any portion of article 1800. Furthermore, it willbe understood that in other cases, different regions of first colorchange portion 1822 and second color change portion 1824 could havedifferent colors.

A color change system can include provisions for automatically coloringan article according to information received about other objects thatmay be worn or otherwise associated with a user. In some embodiments, acolor change system can include provisions for receiving informationrelated to a first color of an object associated with the user. Inaddition, a color change system can include provisions for determining asecond color for the color change portion according to the first color.For example, in some cases, a color change system can determine a secondcolor that color coordinates with the first color. In embodiments wherethe color change portion comprises an electrochromographic material, acontrol unit may send an electrical signal to the color change portionto change the color of the color change portion to the second color.

In some cases, a color change system may receive information about thecolor of one or more articles configured to be worn by a user and maydetermine a color for a color change portion according to the colors ofthe other articles.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of color change system 120. Referringto FIG. 15 , user 1300 may wear shirt 1302. In some cases, shirt 1302may be equipped with electronic identification device 1304. The term“electronic identification device” refers to any object applied to orincorporated into an article for purposes of identifying the object. Asan example, in some cases, electronic identification device 1304 couldbe a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. In cases whereelectronic identification device 1304 is an RFID tag, electronicidentification device 1304 could be either an active tag or a passivetag.

In this case, computer 702 may be equipped with antenna 725 that iscapable of receiving a transmission from device 1304. Computer 702 mayuse the signal received from electronic identification device 1304 toidentify shirt 1302. In particular, the identifying information mayinclude the type of article as well as the color of the article. In thiscase, computer 702 determines that shirt 1302 is associated with firstcolor 1358. Following this, computer 702 may determine a coloring schemefor article 1350 that coordinates with first color 1358. In this case,computer 702 selects second color 1360 for article 1350 that will colorcoordinate with shirt 1302. In particular computer 702 controls colorchange portion 1352 to change to second color 1360. In embodiments wherecolor change portion 1352 comprises an electrochromographic material, acontrol unit associated with color change portion 1352 may apply anelectrical signal to color change portion 1352 to change color changeportion 1352 to second color 1360. With this arrangement, a user caneasily color coordinate his or her shoes with other articles of clothingbeing worn. It will be understood that while the current embodimentdiscusses coordinating the color of an article of footwear with a shirt,other embodiments could include provisions for coordinating footwearcolors with any other articles including, but not limited to: shirts,pants, socks, hats, scarves as well as accessories or other objects thatmay be worn or carried. Examples of other objects that could becoordinated include, but are not limited to: any type of equipment, suchas sporting equipment, back packs, bags, luggage, as well as any otherobjects for which it may be desirable to color coordinate.

Referring to FIG. 16 , a user can manually select articles from a listof articles for purposes of coordinating with footwear. In thisembodiment, a user may select articles from shirt list 1402, pant list1404, and hat list 1406. After a user has selected one or more articlesto be worn, color change system 120 may be configured to automaticallychange one or more color change portions of article 1400 to coordinatewith the selected articles.

The list of articles discussed in this embodiment could be generated inany manner. In some cases, a user could manually create a list ofarticles. In one embodiment, a color change program could includegeneral article categories such as shirts, pants, and hats. Within eachcategory, a user could create an entry for each article owned and assigna color to each entry. For example, a user could create a first entryfor a short sleeve t-shirt and select the color for the shirt manually.This could be accomplished by any method including having the userselect the color from a color chart or having the user scan a portion ofthe article in using a scanner. In another embodiment, a list ofarticles could be generated by having a user scan in the bar codes fromsales tags of newly purchased articles. In still another embodiment,articles could be provided with other tags or information that can bescanned in or manually entered into a color change program by a user. Instill other embodiments, a user may have access to a database of variousclothing articles from different manufacturers.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of another method of determining thecolor of clothing worn by a user. Referring to FIG. 17 , computer 702may be equipped with camera 1500. Generally, camera 1500 can be any typeof imaging device configured to communicate with computer 702 includinga digital camera, a camcorder, a scanner, as well as any other imagingdevice. In an exemplary embodiment, camera 1500 may be a web-cam.

In this case, a user may have a picture taken of shirt 1502 using camera1500. This picture may be stored on computer 702 as image 1504. Inaddition, computer 702 may be configured to analyze image 1504 todetermine the color of the clothing. For example, computer 702 maydetermine that shirt 1502 has a red color. Using this information,computer 702 could control color change portion 1550 of article 1552 tohave a red color to match shirt 1502.

It will be understood that the embodiments discussed above are notintended to be limited to use with particular types of sensors foridentifying clothing color. In other embodiments, other types of sensorscan be used for detecting colors of clothing worn by a user.

A color change system may be configured to automatically determine oneor more colors for a color change portion of an article of footwearaccording to the colors of various other articles of clothing worn by auser. In some embodiments, a color change system may color a colorchange portion with the same colors used in one or more articles ofclothing worn by a user. In other embodiments, however, a color changesystem may use different colors from the colors detected in one or morearticles worn by a user. In some cases, for example, a color changesystem may color a color change portion with a coordinating color thatmatches colors in other articles worn by the user. In other cases, acolor change system may purposefully select clashing colors for a colorchange portion that do not match with colors in other articles worn bythe user. In still other cases, a color change system can use any rulesfor determining one or more colors for a color change portion accordingto the colors of other articles worn by a user.

A color change system can be associated with one or more color designs.The term “color design” refers to any collection of information that canbe used by a color change system to determine how to color one or morecolor change portions of an article. In some cases, color designs couldbe stored in standardized file formats that could be easily read bysoftware associated with a color change system. By using standardizedfile formats color designs could be easily created by third parties andexchanged between different users. In other embodiments, however, acolor design may not be associated with a standardized format and couldgenerally include information regarding specific colors to use forvarious color change portions on an article of footwear.

A color change system can include provisions for allowing a second partyto create a color design and send a color design to a user with anarticle having a color change portion. Referring to FIG. 18 , user 1600has access to computer 702 and article 1602. Article 1602 furtherincludes color change portion 1604 that comprises a substantial majorityof the upper of article 1602. In addition, computer 702 is incommunication with remote computer 1620 via network 1650.

Generally, network 1650 may be a system allowing for the exchange ofinformation between computer 702 and remote computer 1620. Examples ofsuch networks include, but are not limited to: personal area networks,local area networks, wide area networks, client-server networks,peer-to-peer networks, as well as other types of networks. Additionally,the network may support wired transmissions, wireless transmissions, orboth wired and wireless transmissions. In some embodiments, network 1650may be a packet-switched communications system. In a preferredembodiment, network 1650 may be the Internet.

In some embodiments, designer 1670 may use remote computer 1620 tocreate a color design for an article with a color change portion. In oneexample, designer 1670 could be a professional designer. With thisarrangement, designer 1670 may submit color design 1672 for an articleto user 1600 via network 1650. Upon receiving color design 1672, colorchange system 120 may be configured to automatically color article 1602according to color design 1672.

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of color changesystem 1901 that utilizes one or more features of mobile device 1900.Generally, a mobile device could be any device that is portable and thatmay be used by an athlete or user to obtain training instructions.Examples of different mobile devices include, but are not limited to:mobile phones, digital music players, portable digital assistants(PDAs), portable gaming machines, tablet computers, and ultraportablelaptops, as well as any other kinds of mobile devices. In the exemplaryembodiment, mobile device 1300 may be an iPad, iPhone, or iPodmanufactured by Apple Computer, Inc.

Mobile device 1900 can be configured with display screen 1902. Also,mobile device 1900 can include input button 1904. Furthermore, in somecases, mobile device 1900 can be configured with a touch-sensitivescreen. In other cases, mobile device 1900 can include any other inputdevices. It will be understood that mobile device 1900 can includevarious other provisions including speakers, a microphone, ports forsyncing and/or powering mobile device 1900, a headphone jack, as well asvarious other provisions which are not visible in FIG. 19 .

Mobile device 1900 can be configured to run one or more softwareapplications. In some cases, software applications can be provided onmobile device 1900 at the time of manufacturing. In other cases,software applications can be downloaded from a service provider. In oneexemplary embodiment, a user may purchase an application from an onlineretail store such as iTunes.

In the current embodiment, mobile device 1900 may include antenna 1930that may be utilized for transmitting and receiving information. In somecases, antenna 1930 may be capable of receiving information fromelectronic identification device 1934 of shirt 1940. In some cases,electronic identification device 1934 could be a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) tag.

Mobile device 1900 may also be connected to article of footwear 1920. Insome cases, mobile device 1900 may be connected to article 1920 usingwired connection 1918. In particular, mobile device 1900 includes port1914 for receiving information from article 1920 via wired connection1918. In other cases, however, mobile device 1900 may be incommunication with article 1920 in any other manner, including wirelessconnections.

In the current embodiment, mobile device 1900 may use the signalreceived from electronic identification device 1934 to identify shirt1940. In particular, the identifying information may include the type ofarticle as well as the color of the article. In this case, mobile device1900 determines that shirt 1934 is associated with first color 1958.Following this, mobile device 1900 may determine a coloring scheme forarticle 1920 that coordinates with first color 1958. In this case,mobile device 1900 selects second color 1960 for article 1920 that willcolor coordinate with shirt 1940. In particular, mobile device 1900controls color change portion 1922 to change to second color 1960. Inembodiments where color change portion 1922 comprises anelectrochromographic material, a control unit associated with colorchange portion 1922 may apply an electrical signal to color changeportion 1922 to change color change portion 1922 to second color 1960.This arrangement may increase the mobility of color change system 1901.

In some embodiments, mobile device 1900 can include additionalprovisions for sensing information about an article. In some cases, forexample, mobile device 1900 could include an optical device for sensingoptical information about an article. Examples of different opticaldevices that may be incorporated into a mobile device include, but arenot limited to: a digital camera, a video camera, a scanner, as well asany other imaging device.

Referring to FIG. 20 , mobile device 1900 may be configured with camera1970. In different embodiments, the location of camera 1970 can vary. Inthe current embodiment, camera 1970 may be disposed on a side of mobiledevice 1900 that is opposite of display screen 1902. In this case, user1990 may take a picture of shirt 1942 in mirror 2000 using mobile device1900. Mobile device 1900 may then analyze the picture of shirt 1942 to acoordinating color for color change portion 1922.

A color change system can include provisions for operating in variouspower modes. In some embodiments, a color change system may beconfigured to operate in a high power mode when an article is connecteddirectly to an external power source. In addition, a color change systemmay be configured to operate in a low power mode when an article isconnected to an internal power source only. In addition, a high powermode may be a mode in which a color change system applies color changesquickly in a color change portion due to an abundance of power. Incontrast, a low power mode may be a mode in which a color change systemapplies color changes slowly or simply maintains colors for a colorchange portion due to a limited supply of power. In embodiments of thedisclosure comprising a composite material comprising a photoniclattice, power is not required to maintain a color. This arrangement maybe useful for conserving power in embodiments where color changingtechnologies are used that have relatively high power requirements, or,for example, to apply color changes quickly.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a process for operating a colorchange system in various power modes. In this embodiment, the followingsteps may be performed by control unit 124; however in some embodimentsthese steps may be performed by additional systems or devices associatedwith article 100. For example, in some cases including sensors ordevices for measuring various performance parameters, one or more stepscould be performed by the sensors or devices. In addition, inembodiments where article 124 is in communication with a computer, oneor more of the steps could be performed by the computer. In addition, itwill be understood that in other embodiments one or more of thefollowing steps may be optional.

During first step 1702, control unit 124 may receive power sourceinformation. Generally, any method known in the art for detecting powersource information can be used. Next, during step 1704, control unit 124may determine if the article is connected to an external power source.If so, control unit 124 may proceed to step 1706 and enter a high powermode. During the high power mode, control unit 124 may change the colorsof one or more color change portions rapidly, due to the greateravailability of power for operating the color change portions.

If, during step 1704, control unit 124 determines that the article isnot connected to an external power source, control unit 124 may proceedto step 1708. During step 1708, control unit 124 may determine that thearticle is using an internal power source. Examples of internal powersources are discussed above and include any types of batteries and/orpiezoelectric devices, as well as other types of portable power sources.Following step 1708, control unit 124 may proceed to step 1710 and entera low power mode. During the low power mode, control unit 124 may changethe colors of one or more color change portions slowly in order topreserve power. In some cases, color changes may not occur during lowpower mode and instead low power mode may be reserved for actively orpassively maintaining a particular color for a color change portion. Inembodiments of the disclosure comprising a composite material comprisinga photonic lattice, power is not required to maintain a color.

Referring now to FIG. 22 , an alternate exemplary embodiment of anarticle of footwear 2200 is illustrated. Article 2200 may include one ormore components that are substantially similar to components associatedwith article 100, described above, including, but not limited to upper102 and/or sole 104. In some embodiments, article 2200 may include acolor change system 2220. Color change system 2220 may include one ormore components that are substantially similar to components associatedwith color change system 120, discussed above, including, but notlimited to: control unit 124, power storage device 126, port 131, and/orport 132. In an exemplary embodiment, color change system 2220 mayinclude a color change portion 2222. Color change portion 2222 may besubstantially similar to color change portion 122, discussed above.

In some embodiments, color change system 2220 may include color changeportion 2222 associated with multiple individual color change portions.In an exemplary embodiment, color change portion 2222 may include afirst color change portion 2223, a second color change portion 2224, athird color change portion 2225, and/or a fourth color change portion2226. Each of first color change portion 2223, second color changeportion 2224, third color change portion 2225, and/or fourth colorchange portion 2226 may be comprised of an individual color changeportion substantially similar to color change portion 122, discussedabove. In some embodiments, control unit 124 may control each of firstcolor change portion 2223, second color change portion 2224, third colorchange portion 2225, and/or fourth color change portion 2226 separately.In other embodiments, control unit 124 may control color change portion2222 as a single component.

In an exemplary embodiment, color change portion 2222, including any offirst color change portion 2223, second color change portion 2224, thirdcolor change portion 2225, and/or fourth color change portion 2226 maybe associated with an electronic paper technology. In one embodiment,first color change portion 2223, second color change portion 2224, thirdcolor change portion 2225, and/or fourth color change portion 2226 maycomprise individual tiles that together form color change portion 2222.With this arrangement, individual tiles of electronic paper may bearranged to form a larger color change portion on an article. In somecases, a substantially rigid electronic paper may be associated with anyof first color change portion 2223, second color change portion 2224,third color change portion 2225, and/or fourth color change portion2226. In embodiments where substantially rigid electronic paper is used,a tiled arrangement may provide flexibility to color change portion2222. In other cases, a substantially flexible electronic paper and/orany other color change technology discussed herein may be associatedwith any of first color change portion 2223, second color change portion2224, third color change portion 2225, and/or fourth color changeportion 2226.

In other embodiments, a color change system may be associated with acurved portion of an article of footwear. Referring now to FIGS. 23 and24 , an alternate exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 2300 isillustrated. Article 2300 may include one or more components that aresubstantially similar to components associated with article 100,described above, including, but not limited to upper 102 and/or sole104. In some embodiments, a color change system 2320 may be associatedwith a curved portion of article 2300. For example, in one embodiment,color change system 2320 may be associated with a portion of article2300 associated with a heel of a user. Color change system 2320 mayinclude one or more components that are substantially similar tocomponents associated with color change system 120, discussed above,including, but not limited to: control unit 124, power storage device126, port 131, and/or port 132. In an exemplary embodiment, color changesystem 2320 may include a curved color change portion 2322. Curved colorchange portion 2322 may be substantially similar to color change portion122, discussed above.

In one embodiment, curved color change portion 2322 may be associatedwith one or more curved portions of article 2300. In an exemplaryembodiment, curved color change portion 2322 may be associated with aportion of the heel of article 2300. As shown in FIG. 24 , curved colorchange portion 2322 may wrap around a portion of the heel of article2300. In some cases, a substantially flexible electronic papertechnology or composite materials comprising a photonic lattice, i.e.,technologies that retain color change after removal of applied power,may be associated with curved color change portion 2322. In embodimentswhere a substantially flexible electronic paper technology or compositematerials comprising a photonic lattice are used, curved color changeportion 2322 may be configured to substantially conform to the curvedshape of the heel of article 2300. In other cases, any other flexiblecolor change technology discussed herein may be associated with curvedcolor change portion 2322.

In some embodiments, curved color change portion 2322 may be associatedwith multiple individual color change portions. As shown in FIG. 25 , analternate exemplary embodiment of curved color change portion 2322 maybe associated with a plurality of individual color change portionsarranged in a tiled configuration. In one embodiment, curved colorchange portion 2322 may include a first color change portion 2500, asecond color change portion 2502, a third color change portion 2504, afourth color change portion 2510, a fifth color change portion 2512, asixth color change portion 2514, a seventh color change portion 2520, aneighth color change portion 2522, and/or a ninth color change portion2524. Each individual color change portion forming curved color changeportion 2322 may be substantially similar to any of first color changeportion 2223, second color change portion 2224, third color changeportion 2225, and/or fourth color change portion 2226, described above.In addition, control unit 124 may control each of the plurality ofindividual color change portions separately, or curved color controlportion 2322 as a single component, as described in reference to FIG. 22.

In some embodiments, one or more of individual color change portions ofcurved color change portion 2322 may be arranged in groups. In oneembodiment, groups may be associated with a row or column in a tiledarrangement of individual color change portions. In some cases, variousgroups may be associated with different color change technologies.

For example, in one embodiment, a first group of individual color changeportions including first color change portion 2500, second color changeportion 2502, and third color change portion 2504 may be associated witha curved portion of the heel of article 2300 on one side. Similarly, asecond group of individual color change portions including seventh colorchange portion 2520, eighth color change portion 2522, and ninth colorchange portion 2524 may be associated with a curved portion of the heelof article 2300 on the opposing side. A third group of individual colorchange portions including fourth color change portion 2510, fifth colorchange portion 2512, and sixth color change portion 2514 may beassociated with a center portion of the heel between the first group andthe second group. In this embodiment, the first group may be associatedwith a composite material comprising a photonic lattice and the secondgroup may be associated with a substantially flexible electronic paper,while the third group may be associated with a substantially rigidelectronic paper. With this arrangement, curved color change portion2322 may be configured to substantially conform to the curved shape ofthe heel of article 2300.

In other embodiments, curved color change portion 2322 may be associatedwith a plurality of individual color change portions of a substantiallysimilar color change technology, including, but not limited to any oneor more of a substantially rigid electronic paper, a substantiallyflexible electronic paper, composite material comprising a photoniclattice, and/or any other color change technology discussed herein ordeveloped in the future. In various embodiments, any one or combinationof a substantially rigid electronic paper, a substantially flexibleelectronic paper, composite material comprising a photonic lattice,and/or any other color change technology discussed herein or developedin the future may be associated with any of first color change portion2500, second color change portion 2502, third color change portion 2504,fourth color change portion 2510, fifth color change portion 2512, sixthcolor change portion 2514, seventh color change portion 2520, eighthcolor change portion 2522, and/or ninth color change portion 2524.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of compositematerial comprising a photonic lattice in color change portion 122. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 , color change portion 122comprises photonic lattice layer 2640 with first (“bottom”) conductivelayer 2630 on one side thereof and second (“top”) conductive layer 2650on the other surface thereof. In some embodiments, first conductivelayer 2630, photonic lattice layer 2640, and second conductive layer2650 may be essentially co-extensive. First conductive layer 2630 andsecond conductive layer 2650 may be continuous layers. Photonic latticelayer 2640 may be continuous or discontinuous. For example, photoniclattice layer 2640 may be formed in the shape of a design, a pattern, alogo, a number or a letter, or in any other manner in embodiments of thedisclosure. The color change portion will be colored only where thephotonic lattice is in place.

Typically, in embodiments of the disclosure, the photonic lattice layeris formed on one of the conductive layers, and the other conductivelayer then is placed over the photonic lattice in any suitable mannerknown to the skilled practitioner. For example, a photonic layer can beprinted onto one of the conductive layers using a roll-to-roll printingprocess. With the guidance provided herein, the skilled practitionerwill be able to apply a photonic lattice layer to a conductive layer andobtain a desired design, pattern, or the like without undueexperimentation.

First (“bottom”) terminal 2620 and second (“top”) terminal 2660 areelectrically connected to the first conductive layer 2630 and secondconductive layer 2650, respectively. These terminals are connected byfirst lead 2621 and second lead 2661, respectively, to provide a path toa source of control and electrical stimulation, such as but not limitedto control unit 124 or power source 126 (see AG. 1) to change thedimensions of the photonic lattice and thereby change the color of colorchange portion 122.

The location of each terminal on each conductive layer is a matterwithin the skill of the practitioner. Typically, the location ismanipulated to accommodate other design preferences, such as but notlimited to the location of conductive wires from a remotely-locatedsource of electrical stimulation. In embodiments of the disclosure, afirst conductive layer is in electrical contact with a first terminallayer and with a photonic layer, and a second conductive layer is inelectrical contact with the photonic layer and a second terminal layer.These and other layers may be bonded or fused together, or may merely bein contact within the color change portion.

Embodiments of the disclosure may have a substrate layer 2610 on theside of terminal layer 2620 opposite the side adjacent conductive layer2630 carrying photonic lattice layer 2640. Substrate layer 2610typically is at leant coextensive with first terminal layer 2620 andfirst conductive layer 2630. Substrate layer 2610 serves to protectfirst terminal layer 2620 and first conductive layer 2630, and may serveas a connection or attachment surface to the article on which colorchange portion 122 appears.

Embodiments of the disclosure may have optional protective layer 2670 onthe side of second terminal 2660 opposite the side in contact withsecond conductive layer 2650, as shown in FIG. 26 . Protective layer2670 serves to maintain the physical integrity of and to protect secondterminal layer 2660 and second conductive layer 2650 from physicaldamage caused, for example, by contact with the surface, just assubstrate layer 2610 protects first conductive layer 2630 and firstterminal layer 2620.

FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of the disclosure for thestructure of color change portion 122. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional viewof an embodiment in which both first terminal 2720 and second terminal2760 are located in layer 2725 associated with the sole conductive layer2730. FIG. 28 is the view along section line 28-28 of FIG. 27 .

The embodiment of the disclosure illustrated in FIG. 27 has a singleconductive layer 2730 on which photonic lattice layer 2740 is formed inany suitable manner. Optional protective layer 2770 is applied to theside of the photonic lattice layer opposite conductive layer 2730.

First terminal 2720 and second terminal 2760 are located in layer 2725on the side of conductive layer 2730 opposite photonic lattice layer2740. First lead 2721 and second lead 2761 carry electrical signals fromcontrol unit 124 and power source 126 (see FIG. 1 ). Substrate layer2710 is located on one side of terminal layer 2725, i.e., on the sideopposite photonic lattice layer 2740.

FIG. 28 illustrates section 28-28 of FIG. 27 and shows that firstterminal 2720 and second terminal 2760 in terminal layer 2725 have aninterdigitated layout. The terminals do not touch each other. Rather,each terminal comprises extended portions that are spaced apart toaccommodate extended portions from the other terminal. The extendedportions are connected at one end and then to first lead 2721 (firstterminal 2720) or second lead 2761 (second terminal 2760). Electricalstimulation flows from one terminal through the conductive layer 2730and photonic lattice layer 2740 to the other terminal to cause a changein the color of color change portion 122.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the terminal layer may be a layer thatis substantially coextensive with the conductive layer with which it isassociated. In other embodiments of the disclosure, terminals areinterdigitated on and together are substantially coextensive with thesingle conductive layer. Typically, such arrangements may produce aneven color change over the entirety of the color change portion.However, a single terminal may be attached to a conductive layer at apoint or small terminal area that is not coextensive with the conductivelayer. In such embodiments of the disclosure, the terminals are spacedapart from each other to encourage flow of electrical stimulationthroughout the photonic lattice layer. Such an arrangement may produce a‘bloom’ of color in the photonic lattice layer, rather than an evencolor change. However, such terminals may be located anywhere relativeto each other.

Color change portion 122 may be constructed from any suitable materials.Thus, materials are selected to provide pre-selected properties andcharacteristics to color change portion 122. For example, embodiments ofthe color change portion to be put on the upper of footwear or onclothing may be made of flexible materials. However, if flexibility isnot required for the intended use, such as, for example, use on arelatively rigid surface, such as the heel portion of the upper, or theside of a sole of an article of footwear or on sports equipment oraccessories, less flexible materials of construction may suitably beused. With the guidance provided herein, the skilled practitioner canselect suitable materials of construction without undue experimentation.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the color change portion comprisescomposite material comprising a photonic lattice. Color changes may bemade by electrical stimulation, which may be removed after the targetcolor has been reached, because the photonic lattice is stable at bothconditions. The composite material typically comprises a substratelayer, at least one terminal layer, at least one conductive layer, and aphotonic lattice layer. The composite material also may include aprotective layer.

The substrate layer may be formed from any material that will providethe properties and characteristics selected for the use or application.For example, if the color change portion can be rigid, a rigidsubstrate, such as but not limited to glass or a rigid plastic such asbut not limited to polycarbonate (Plexiglas®, for example) may form asuitable substrate. Typically, the substrate layer is an electricalinsulator. If the substrate is electrically conductive, an electricallyinsulating layer may be interposed between the substrate and theterminal layer. Suitable flexible substrates include flexible plastics,such as but not limited to polypropylene, polyimide, polyethyleneterephthalate, or Teflon®.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the substrate and layers that arebehind or beneath the photonic lattice layer may not be in the line ofsight of the viewer and therefore may be clear or may have a color,provided that the color does not interfere with the display of colorfrom the color change portion. Because the photonic lattice typically isnot translucent but rather will reflect the ambient light, the layersbeneath the photonic lattice layer may not be visible. However, theskilled practitioner recognizes that, if the layers behind the photoniclattice layer will be visible, an appropriate color should be selected.

Remaining layers of the composite material comprising a photonic latticemay meet stiffness criteria similar to the requirements of the substratelayer. Thus, if the color change portion need not be flexible, theremaining layers need not be flexible. However, if the color changeportion is flexible, the remaining layers also typically will beflexible. Although the substrate and the adjacent (or “bottom” terminallayer) typically may be clear or any color not inconsistent with thedisplay of color from the color change portion, the “top” terminallayer, conductive layer, and protective layer, if present, typicallywill be selected to be clear or essentially transparent so that thecolor reflected by the photonic lattice is visible. However, a layerbetween the photonic lattice layer and the viewer may benon-transparent, if desired. For example, this layer may be translucentor frosted rather than transparent, or may include tinting to produce acolor different from that yielded by the photonic lattice layer, or mayinclude a design. Such a design, including but not limited to letters,numbers, shapes, and logotypes, may be displayed in the color changeportion by virtue of having been for example, printed onto or etchedinto the surface of such a layer. With the guidance provided herein, theskilled practitioner will be able to select appropriate materialswithout undue experimentation.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the ‘top’ terminal layer typically maycomprise clear materials. Fine wires that present an essentiallytransparent appearance also may be present. Thus, the terminal layersmay comprise very thin wires or nanowires that provide an overallimpression of transparency. Such wires typically would be very flexible.Conductive polymer fibers also may be suitable. With the guidanceprovided herein, the skilled practitioner will be able to selectsuitable materials of construction for these layers without undueexperimentation.

The conductive layer may be a conductive plastic, such as but notlimited to plastic with a conductive layer thereon, such as but notlimited to polyethylene terephthalate with ITO (indium tin oxide)deposited on the surface. Such material typically is essentiallytransparent. Other suitable plastic include admixtures of conductivesolid fillers, such as but not limited to metal particles, carbon black,graphite, or carbon nanotubes, with polymers. Suitable polymers includepolyaniline, polypyrrole, and polyethylene terephthalate. Anyessentially transparent or translucent conductive material may besuitable for the “top” conductive layer. The “bottom” layers also may betransparent or translucent, With the guidance provided herein, theskilled practitioner will be able to identify and select suitablematerials for these layers.

The composition of the photonic lattice layer depends upon the colors tobe displayed, as set forth above and in the materials related theretoand incorporated by reference. The protective layer may be any suitabletransparent material that provides the desired degree of protectionagainst damage. As with other layers, the protective layer may beflexible, such as but not limited to a flexible layer of polyethylene,polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate, or may be rigid, such asbut not limited to glass or polycarbonate. The skilled practitioner willbe able to select a composition for an optional protective layer, ifpresent, with the guidance provided herein.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a control feature in the form ofa touch screen may be incorporated into the composite material as partof the protective layer. The skilled practitioner recognizes that bothcapacitive and resistive touchscreens are commercially available frommany sources. Either type of touchscreen may be incorporated into theprotective layer in embodiments of the disclosure herein.

A touchscreen control feature may control any electronic feature of thecolor change portion, typically through a controller. For example, thetouchscreen may be used to activate or deactivate (turn on or off) thecolor change portion of a composite material. In particular, thetouchscreen may be used to change the color of the color change portion.On either type of touchscreen, the color may change continuously whilethe screen is touched. On a capacitive screen, a motion of one or morefingers may be used to change the color, for example. With the guidanceprovided herein, the skilled practitioner will be able to incorporate atouchscreen control feature into the protective layers of embodiments ofthe disclosure.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the composite material comprising aphotonic lattice may be coated in a layer of silicone or a similartypically flexible, tough, elastic, essentially transparent ortranslucent material resistant to folding and creasing. This type ofcoating, which is both tough and resistant to sharp bending (folding andcreasing), may protect the composite material comprising a photoniclattice from both physical damage from impacts, for example, andmechanical damage, such as but not limited to damage from folding orcreasing. Such mechanical damage may occur if the composite materialcomprising a photonic lattice is sufficiently flexible that it can befolded or bent and creased. Folding or creasing the photonic latticelayer may cause ‘dead zones’ in the layer, i.e., zones that are notresponsive to electrical stimulus and thus are permanently colored withthe color present before the mechanical damage occurred. A coating ofsilicone or similar material that typically is flexible yet resistant tofolding or creasing may ameliorate damage of this type.

The skilled practitioner recognizes that incorporating a coating ofsilicone or other material on a color change portion may precludeoperation of a capacitive touchscreen. Such a layer may preventregistration on the screen of a touch by a user. If such a protectivesilicone layer is used, a resistive touchscreen may be a better choicefor a control feature incorporated with a protective layer.

In embodiments of the disclosure, a control feature in the form of atouchscreen also may be placed remotely from the color change portion,rather than on the color change portion itself. Such a remote locationmay make it easier to operate the color change portion or serve anotherpurpose. In embodiments of the disclosure, a touchscreen may be placedelsewhere on an article of footwear, and may be connected to both thecolor change portion and to the power source or controller associatedwith the color change system. In some embodiments of the disclosure, atouchscreen may be placed on a part of a shoe, for example, at the heel,on another decorative feature, such as on a manufacturer's logotype, ondecorative trim, on a medial portion (or lateral portion) of the midfootupper, or elsewhere. Location of such a touchscreen in embodiments ofthe disclosure is, with the guidance provided herein, within the skillof the practitioner.

Embodiments of composite materials comprising a photonic lattice may beconstructed in any suitable manner. As noted above, the photonic latticeis applied to a conductive layer by, for example, screen printing, in adesired pattern to obtain a design, including designs having multiplecontrollers for individual control of the color in different areas ofthe design, may be applied to the entirety of a conductive layer, ordifferent photonic lattices may be applied to separate areas of theconductive layer to provide different colors. Other methods of applyingphotonic lattice material to selected areas of a conductive surface,such as by jet printing, also may be used.

The composite material comprising a photonic lattice may be assembled bystacking layers in order. In some embodiments of the disclosure, thelayers may be fused with adhesive by application of heat at atemperature, for a time, and at a pressure sufficient to fuse the layersand form a composite material comprising a photonic lattice. The layersmay be fused on the periphery or across the entirety of the area.

In embodiments of the disclosure, suitable adhesives includeheat-lettable adhesives having a melting point below the melting pointof other components of the color change portion. In some embodiments ofthe disclosure, the adhesive is selected to yield a bond that issufficiently flexible so as not to interfere with the flexibility of thecolor change portion. In some embodiments of the disclosure, hot meltadhesive may be suitable as an adhesive. Hot melt adhesives may beapplied hot or may be set in place as a solid. In the solid technique,the adhesive is placed between layers to be bonded and heated to meltthe adhesive between the layers and form a bond between the layers. Forexample, Bemis 3218, available from Bemis Associates Inc., Shirley,Mass., USA, may be suitable for embodiments of the disclosure.

Bemis 3218 comprises polyurethane, is flexible over a wide range oftemperature, and has a softening point of about 200° F. (about 94° C.).Typically, the adhesive is heated to a temperature of at least about250° F. (122° C.) for convenient processing. For example, this adhesivemay be put in place as a solid sheet of suitable thickness, then heatedand pressed together with other layers of the color change portion. Themolten adhesive thus flows sufficiently to fuse the layers when heatedand pressed. In embodiments of the disclosure, Bemis 3218 is heated to atemperature of between about 250° F. and about 325° F. (about 122° C. toabout 163° C.) and pressed with other layers for between about 10seconds and about 50 seconds to form the composite material of thedisclosure. Other adhesive will require different combinations oftemperature and time to form a suitable bond. However, with the guidanceprovided herein, the skilled practitioner will be able to select asuitable adhesive and to identify suitable binding conditions.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the color change portion also may beused to reflect infrared radiation or ultraviolet radiation. Thus, whenoriented to reflect radiation from the surroundings, the color changeportion can be used to shield the user from heat introduced by infraredradiation or damage from ultraviolet radiation. Similarly, the colorchange portion may be oriented to reflect infrared radiation toward auser. Thus oriented on the inside of a shirt, for example, the colorchange portion may be used to reflect infrared radiation toward aperson. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 .

FIG. 29 illustrates a front view of a color change portion 3010 orientedon the inside of shirt 3000 to reflect infrared radiation from user3001. Section 30-30, illustrated in FIG. 30 , is a cross-sectional viewof the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29 . Color change portioncomprising composite material comprising a photonic lattice 3010 isattached in any suitable manner to the interior of shirt 3000 so as toreflect infrared radiation to user 3001. Arrows 3020 illustrate a pathof infrared radiation from the body of user 3001 to color change portioncomprising composite material comprising a photonic lattice 3020, whichreflects the radiation back to wearer 3001.

The physical structure of a color change portion comprising compositematerial comprising a photonic lattice is illustrated in FIG. 26 -FIG.28 . In embodiments of the disclosure, the composite material comprisinga photonic lattice may have essentially any two-dimensional shape, suchas but not limited to a circle, an oblong, a cross, a rectangle, or asquare. Composite material comprising a photonic lattice also may beformed in the shape of a letter or number, words, logos, and the like.The composite material comprising a photonic lattice may be mounted onor otherwise suitably attached to a surface, such as but not limited toan article of clothing, footwear, or sports and other equipment. Inother embodiments of the disclosure, the composite material comprising aphotonic lattice may be integrated with the materials forming an outersurface, and the composite material comprising a photonic lattice may beviewed through an aperture in that surface.

FIG. 31 illustrates color change portion 3190 mounted on the outside orexterior 3105 of upper 3108 of shoe 3100. The upper may include optionalsock liner 3103 and other layers not shown. Optional sock liner 3103 isinside upper 3108. As can be seen in the detail of FIG. 31 , substratelayer 3110 of color change portion 3190 is attached on one side to theoutside 3105 of the upper 3108 of shoe 3100. First terminal layer 3120is adjacent the other side of substrate layer 3110, and first conductivelayer 3130 with photonic lattice layer 3140 thereon form the nextlayers. Photonic lattice layer 3140 is covered with one side of secondconductive layer 3150, and second terminal layer 3160 forms the nextlayer on the other side of second conductive layer 3150. Optionalprotective cover layer 3170 covers the entirety to protect color changeportion 3190 from physical damage. First lead 3121 from first terminallayer 3120 and second lead 3161 from second terminal layer 3160 enableconnection to conductors such as conductive wires to carry signals fromthe controller or power source (not shown). Typically, the electricalconductors or leads may be brought into the footwear through outer layer3105, but typically are not brought through sock liner 3103, if present.In this way, the leads and conductors may be routed into the article offootwear to control unit 124 and power source 126 (see FIG. 1 ) safelyand securely, i.e., away from contact with the foot, for example.

In such embodiments of the disclosure, color change portion 3190 may beattached to outer surface 3105 of upper 3108 in any suitable manner. Forexample, color change portion 3190 may be adhered to outer surface 3105with adhesive, adhesive or other tape, or glue, or may be stitched inplace. Color change portion 3190 also may be ultrasonically welded toouter surface 3105 of upper 3108, if appropriate. With the guidanceprovided herein, the skilled practitioner will be able to attach a colorchange portion to a garment of article of footwear.

The skilled practitioner recognizes that a color change portion may haveboth terminals interdigitated and connected to the same side of a singleconductive layer. Color change portions having such construction alsoare suitably used in any embodiments of the disclosure.

In other embodiments of the disclosure, the color change portion ismounted within apertures of multiple layers of a shoe upper, forexample. FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 illustrate such construction. Outer surface3371 of optional protective layer 3370, or the top of second terminallayer 3360, of color change portion 3390 may be essentially flush withouter surface 3305 of outer layer 3302 of shoe 3300, to which the colorchange portion 3390 is attached. In other embodiments of the disclosure,surface 3371 may be behind outer surface 3305, or may protrude beyondouter surface 3305. FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 illustrate the essentially flushembodiments of the disclosure as they relate to shoe 3300.

Upper 3308 includes at least outer layer 3302 having outer surface 3305and one or more intermediate layers 3304 (three are illustrated in FIG.33 ) associated with outer layer 3302. These intermediate layers 3304may be bonded or otherwise attached to or associated with outer layer3302 and optional sock liner 3303. In the embodiment of FIG. 32 and FIG.33 , the area of color change portion 3390 is essentially equal to andcoextensive with the area and shape of aperture 3385 in outer layer 3302through which color change portion 3390 is visible. As the skilledpractitioner recognizes, any related apertures in intermediate layers3304 through which color change portion 3390 is visible from the outsideof the article of footwear, will tend to reduce the incursion of colorchange portion 3390 into the footspace in the article of footwear. Thisreduces the likelihood of irritation of the wearer's foot resulting fromcontact, such as but not limited to rubbing and chafing, with colorchange portion 3390. However, layers 3304 may not have apertures, butrather form a continuous additional layer of the upper 3308 of shoe 3300between the substrate layer 3310 and the interior of the article offootwear (and the wearer's foot). Thus, outer layer 3302 has an apertureessentially co-extensive with the shape and size of color change portion3390. One or more layers 3304 also may have apertures. In FIG. 33 , twolayers 3304 are illustrated having apertures, and the innermost layer3304 does not have an aperture.

The arrangement of layers of color change portion 3390 is the same asfor color change portion 3190, i.e., in order, substrate layer 3310,first terminal layer 3320, first conductive layer 3330, onto whichphotonic lattice layer 3340 has been printed or otherwise formed, secondconductive layer 3350 with the second terminal layer 3360 and optionalprotective layer 3370 thereon. First lead 3321 from first terminal layer3320 and second lead 3361 from second terminal layer 3360 connect toconductors, for example, wires, that carry signals from power source 126and control unit 124 (see FIG. 1 ). The leads and conductors may belocated between any of intermediate layers 3304, sock liner 3303, andouter layer 3302.

In such embodiments, the uppermost layer of color change portion 3390typically may be essentially in the same plane as outer surface 3305 ofupper layer 3308. Thus, if optional protective layer 3370 is present,surface 3371 may be essentially co-planar with outer surface 3305. Ifthere is no protective layer, the top surface of terminal layer 3360, orof the layer that is the top-most, is essentially co-planar with surface3305. In such embodiments, the color change portion is secured to upper3308 by any appropriate means known to the skilled practitioner, such asbut not limited to adhesive, adhesive tape, ultrasonic welding ifappropriate, or stitching. Alternatively, substrate 3310 may be securedto any of intermediate layers 3304 or to sock liner 3303 to be held inplace in aperture 3385 of upper 3308. With the guidance provided herein,the skilled practitioner will be able to identify and utilize suitabletechnology for securing the color change portion in position in theaperture in the article.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, it may be preferred to shape theaperture in the shoe or article for the color change portion differentlyfrom the shape of the color change portion, or in a size, typicallysmaller, different from the color change portion. An example of such anembodiment is illustrated in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 .

FIG. 34 illustrates star-shaped aperture 3485 in outer surface 3405 ofupper layer 3408 of shoe 3400. The aperture is in at least outer layer3402 of shoe upper layer 3408. In such an embodiment, the shape ofaperture 3485 may be any two-dimensional shape. Typically, aperture 3485has a shape or size different from, and typically smaller than, theshape or size of color change portion 3490.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of section 35-35 of FIG. 34 . FIG. 35illustrates color change portion 3490 behind aperture 3485 with the topsurface of color change portion 3490 essentially co-planar with outersurface 3405 of upper layer 3408. However, because the aperture 3845typically is smaller than color change portion 3490, layer 3402 extendsor overlaps to an extent onto top surface 3471 of color change portion3490. Typically, outer layer 3402 is thin, and may be sufficientlyflexible to allow the surface 3471 of color change portion 3490 to besubstantially co-planar with surface 3405. Typically, any apertures inlayers 3404 or sock liner 3403 will be essentially coextensive with thesize and shape of color change portion 3490. In FIG. 35 , twointermediate layers 3404 have apertures essentially coextensive with thesize and shape of color change portion 3490, and one intermediate layer3404 has no aperture.

The arrangement of layers in color change portion 3490 remains the same,i.e., in order, substrate layer 3410, first terminal layer 3420, firstconductive layer 3430, photonic lattice layer 3440, second conductivelayer 3450, second terminal layer 3460, and optional protective layer3470 having surface 3471. Surface 3471 is directly adjacent to the outerlayer of shoe 3400. First lead 3421 and second lead 3461 connect firstterminal 3420 and second terminal 3460, respectively, to conductors thatcarry a signal between color change portion 3490 and control unit 124and power source 126 (see FIG. 1 ). Outer surface 3402 may be adhered orotherwise secured to protective layer surface 3471 or to the top layerof color change portion 3490 if no protective layer is present.

Example 1

A composite material comprising a photonic lattice was constructed usingthe materials identified in the following table:

Component Material Substrate Flexible plastic Terminal layersPolyethylene terephthalate Conductive layers ITO on polyethyleneterephthalate Photonic lattice Reversibly changeable by electricalstimulation

The photonic lattice was applied to essentially the entirety of aconductive layer by screen printing. The composite material comprising aphotonic lattice was manufactured by assembling the layers in order(substrate, terminal with lead, first conductive layer, photonic latticelayer, and second conductive layer, second terminal with second lead,and protective layer) and fusing them at the edges with Bemis 3218adhesive at a temperature of 300° F. (149° C.) for 25 seconds to formthe composite material comprising a photonic lattice.

The composite material comprising a photonic lattice thus formed a colorchange portion that was shaped roughly like the intended display. Thecolor change portion was secured to the inside of the upper of anathletic shoe upper through which an aperture having the intended shapeof the display had been made with adhesive tape. The aperture wassmaller than the color change portion. The leads of the color changeportion then were connected to a power source through conductors andelectrical stimulation was used to change the color of the color changeportion, at which time the power source was disconnected. The colorchange portion maintained the color to which it had been changed until apower source was again connected and the color change portion wasreturned to the original color.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. For example, the color change portion may bemanufactured to have the desired image shape and size, the color rangemay be different, the color change portion may be mounted on the outsidesurface of an athletic shoe, the color change portion may be mounted ona different article of footwear or an article of clothing, or thecomposite material comprising a photonic lattice may have a differentconstruction or method of manufacture. Accordingly, the invention is notto be restricted except in light of the attached claims and theirequivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made withinthe scope of the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article comprising: a first panel including afirst surface defining an exterior surface of the article, the firstpanel including an aperture; and a color change portion attached to thefirst panel and extending at least partially across the aperture, thecolor change portion including (i) an outer surface recessed from theexterior surface of the first panel and (ii) a photonic lattice operableto receive an electrical signal to change a color of the color changeportion.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is one of anarticle of clothing, an article of footwear, or an article of equipment.3. The article of claim 1, wherein the outer surface extends across anentirety of the aperture.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein thephotonic lattice is a component of a composite material.
 5. The articleof claim 4, wherein the composite material includes a first conductivelayer electrically connected to a first terminal and a second conductivelayer electrically connected to a second terminal.
 6. The article ofclaim 5, wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductivelayer are disposed on opposite sides of the photonic lattice.
 7. Thearticle of claim 5, wherein the photonic lattice is printed on one ofthe first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.
 8. Thearticle of claim 5, wherein the first terminal and the second terminalare in electrical communication with at least one of a control unit anda power source operable to change a color of the color change portion bychanging dimensions of the photonic lattice.
 9. The article of claim 5,further comprising a protective layer disposed over one of the firstconductive layer and the second conductive layer, the protective layerdefining the outer surface of the color change portion.
 10. The articleof claim 9, further comprising a substrate disposed over the other ofthe first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.
 11. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the first panel includes a second surfaceformed on an opposite side of the first panel than the first surface,the second surface being in contact with the outer surface of the colorchange portion adjacent to the aperture.
 12. The article of claim 11,further comprising a second panel attached to the color change portionon an opposite side of the color change portion than the outer surface,the second panel defining an interior surface of the article.
 13. Anarticle comprising: a first panel including a first surface defining anexterior surface of the article, the first panel including an aperture;and a color change portion attached to the first panel and extending atleast partially across the aperture, the color change portion including(i) an outer surface substantially flush with the exterior surface ofthe first panel and (ii) a photonic lattice operable to receive anelectrical signal to change a color of the color change portion.
 14. Thearticle of clothing claim 13, wherein the outer surface extends acrossan entirety of the aperture.
 15. The article of clothing of claim 13,wherein the photonic lattice is a component of a composite material. 16.The article of clothing of claim 15, wherein the composite materialincludes a first conductive layer electrically connected to a firstterminal and a second conductive layer electrically connected to asecond terminal.
 17. The article of clothing of claim 16, wherein thefirst conductive layer and the second conductive layer are disposed onopposite sides of the photonic lattice.
 18. The article of clothing ofclaim 16, wherein the photonic lattice is printed on one of the firstconductive layer and the second conductive layer.
 19. The article ofclothing of claim 16, wherein the first terminal and the second terminalare in electrical communication with at least one of a control unit anda power source operable to change a color of the color change portion bychanging dimensions of the photonic lattice.
 20. The article of clothingof claim 16, further comprising a protective layer disposed over one ofthe first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, theprotective layer defining the outer surface of the color change portion.21. The article of clothing of claim 20, further comprising a substratedisposed over the other of the first conductive layer and the secondconductive layer.
 22. The article of claim 13, wherein the first panelis in contact with the color change portion adjacent to the outersurface of the color change portion.
 23. The article of claim 22,further comprising a second panel attached to the color change portionon an opposite side of the color change portion than the outer surface,the second panel defining an interior surface of the article.